By Lori Haught
After a long renovation project, Federal Hall will reopen to the public right on schedule, Columbus Day weekend.
Grand opening events will begin on Oct. 6 and the first moving exhibit, “Land-markings: 12 Journeys through 9/11 Living Memorials,” will open to the public on Oct. 7 and run through Oct. 27. It will feature a presentation on living memorials across the nation, dedicated to commemorate Sept. 11.
The Federal Hall National Memorial, 26 Wall St., will be hosting a variety of events celebrating Colonial New York, including period dancing from the New York Baroque Dance Company at noon and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 and period etiquette lessons and dance from the Baroque Dance Company at noon on Oct. 7 and 11 a.m. on Oct. 8.
Other events planned include an early American music recital at 1 p.m. on Oct. 7 and noon on Oct. 8 and 9. An actor portraying George Washington will also host a discussion and question and answer session at 1 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 9.
One permanent exhibit, the “Washington Exhibit,” will feature the original piece of flooring where George Washington stood during his inauguration in 1789, the bible he was sworn in on, and a piece of the original building’s second floor balcony.
Federal Hall served as our nation’s first capitol building for a year before the government moved to Philadelphia in 1790. It was the site of not only the first presidential inauguration but the partial drafting of the Bill of Rights, the first meetings of congress, and was later the home of the Federal Reserve.
A spokesperson for the National Park Service said the exact hours the museum will be open have not been determined. Visit www.nps.gov/feha or call 212-825-6888 for more information.
— Lori Haught
